Following up the triumphant success of his 2009 debut Wanderer is Serge Devant with his electric sophomore album, Rewind. Filled with aural delight, the album is set to please trance lovers globally.
With such a high standard set by the release of his debut album, there was held breath as play was pressed for the first time. It was released as the first notes of Dice featuring the vocal beauty of Hadley first filtered through the speakers. The song is a mix of lush laid back beats with club sensibilities. It's a delight to the ear and excitement for the dance shoes.
3 AM Eternal is a track of musical delight. It has the anthemic makings of a Paul Van Dyk track with the driving beats of a Tiësto classic. To compare Devant to the godfather's of trance may not be easy to stomach for some. After playing the album through, however, it is easy to see where the suggestion stems from.
One of the most exciting collaborations on the album is You & Me with Rachel Starr. Club goers around the world will rejoice at another stellar track from both Devant and Starr. The track is reminisce of Then There Was You by Starr and Addicted by Devant. The track is an instant classic and challenges the listener not to list it as an instant favourite.
On Your Own is an instantly likable track. The vocals are well played along with the music. The only downside is that it stops. Suddenly. The track sounds like it should have some extra play time but it doesn't and there's about 10 seconds of silence at the end of the track. Had it played out, it would have led nicely into True Faith. This is the ultimate song of the album. The song is everything that has been missing from music lately. The smooth vocals and catchy beat. Breath taking.
Appearing for the second time on the album is Hadley with the track Ghost. It's a catchy song and, as always, flawless delivery on the part of this stunning songstress. Listen to the song, immerse yourself in the sound and let the audio wash over your senses. The sensory delight is unparalleled.
The last four tracks are what we have been waiting for. The final tracks of the album that are purely instrumental. Their driving beats, the bounce and rythm that is everything that that a good dance producer should look for. The tracks, while easily to tell the difference between each track, what is indistinguishable is the fantastic way that they play to the ear. The energy of each song is excited and rivetting. This is what trance should be. This is what music should be. This is what anthems are made of.
Serge Devant was always going to triumph with his return, there was never any doubt. Whether he would meet the previous standard or exceed it was the question. Devant has set an all new standard even for himself. Rewind is a dance music masterpiece. For anyone who has a love of electronica, this album should be listened to at the very least.
When thinking of premier electronic artists who can easily grace the speakers of any music love, it's hard to go past Roger Shah. His work under his own name and several nom de plume have carved out a niche market in this fickle music world.
With his last solo album, Songbook, being back in 2008, Shah has returned with another breath taking album that is sure to turn the ears of so many back to the trusted trance beats. The steady driving rhythm that plays right through the album is an absolute delight to listen to and will get the most uncoordinated toe tapping away.
His signature mixture of stunning melodies and driving beats are ever present throughout the album. Coupled with the brilliant choice of vocalists featured throughout, it would appear that Shah can do no wrong.
The first single to be lifted from the album is Morning Star featuring the breath taking vocal dynamics of Moya Brennan. For those who don't know the voice, think Saltwater by Chicane. The sweeping sounds of Brennan's lush voice and the almost orchestral quality of Shah's music will sweep you away.
Not one to leave a good song lie, Shah has recruited Sian Evans of Kosheen fame and redone their 2002 worldwide smash Hide U. It keeps the same feel though, at the same time, takes on a life of it's own. It's hard to pick the version to prefer. The original classic, or this newer driving force. The more dynamic electronic sounds ripple with energy and can't help but captivate the club kids who remember the first release, or the new listeners who will be dragged into the magic of the beat.
Realising that he's on a good thing, Shah brings Evans back twice more on the album. She features on tracks In The Light and Shine. Both the tracks are worth any hype made about them.
When first listening to In The Light, the ethereal quality of Evans' voice, couple with the grit of the heavy trance throbbing creates a feeling which can't be clearly described in simple words. There is something magical about the way the pair work together. This can only, we hope, be an indication of what is yet to appear in the coming years from the music industry.
Shine itself is not without merit. There isn't the harshness of the sole heavy beat. Evans' voice proves that it can be quite melodious and enrapturing all over again. It proves how she has grown as an artist since we first heard her voice with Kosheen all those years ago. Breathe in the wondrous beauty of the song and it's uplifting feeling.
Also appearing for a track on the album is Chris Jones. Hot on the heels of his success with Armin Van Buuren in the song Going Wrong, Shah has brought him in for the floor filler Obsession. Apparently it's not just a Calvin Klein fragrance. It's also an eager track that will pound out over club speakers and have the highs and lows playing out as you lose yourself to the shamelessly enticing sounds of the song.
A dramatic and spicy highlight of the album is Porque. It features the amazing talent of Salma Ros. It would appear to be a debut for the songstress as there is very little information about her out there. The rich and smooth vocals are addictive. The track can be repeated several times over and still not get boring. The excitement of the track and the divinity of the production with the voice all creates a breath taking piece of musical breakthrough.
Appearing as an added bonus for those who buy the digital copy of the album, there is a second Chris Jones track Summer Days. It's got the open and uplifting feel to it that the title would suggest. It's actually hard to describe. There's so many positive things that can be said, it's hard to pick just one or two. The song if just a phenomenon on it's own.
As with any Shah production, there is a second version of each song that is more down tempo. The serenity of each track with a laid back and ambient feel, it's hard not to have your breath catch in your throat. Having Porque stripped back is addictive. Listening to Shine as an acoustic production just enhances it's beauty. It all proves just how truly versatile Shah really is with his production.
Openminded!? is a masterpiece of electronica. Shah is constantly evolving and learning the art of his craft and applying the evolution to each release. It's crisp and modern yet still timeless. This is a fantastic release that is ready to have the uptempo versions playing before a night out and the down tempo ready for the recovery the next day. Whatever the time, this is an album and trance lover must have.
Baby you think you've heard good music, you ain't hear nothing yet. Above and Beyond have just dropped their follow up artist album Group Therapyand it's fantastic! Hold onto your hats, you're in for an exciting ride with this album.
You learned to fall in love with Above and Beyond when they released their debut album Tri-State, now learn to fall in love again. This release follows a similar, almost ethereal, trance sound as the last did. This time, however, it branches off into it's own unique path and redefines the talent that Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki possess and sets them firmly back into the spotlight.
There is heavy temptation to refer and compare to Tri-State but that wouldn't be fair to either body of work because both are exception beacons of what is very right in the trance world at the moment.
If you did not understand the previous comment about how they can produce an almost ethereal track, listen to the opening track Filmic. It's a clever move on the band's behalf as it is almost misleading as to where the album itself will go. It's haunting and near spiritual with the serene beauty of the track.
Unsurprisingly, they do have vocal trance tracks on this album. Rather than polluting the album with a new singer for every track, they have used the same two the entire way through. Zoe Johnston has returned to add her stunning voice to five of the tracks which includes the outstanding highlight Giving It Out. The steady driving beat and up tempo make it easily one of the most enjoyable songs on the album.
The other vocalist on the album is Richard Bedford. We've all heard the first song that was released off the album being Sun & Moon but don't take that as the penultimate song Bedford will be featured on. There's also the stunning track On My Way To Heaven which has an almost symphonic opening before ensnaring the senses and dragging them to the dancefloor.
Then, of course, there is the latest single Thing Called Love which is a strong reminder of just where Above and Beyond started. That's moving people on a dancefloor with heady beats and pulsing rhythms. If this track hasn't become a favourite at music festivals yet, you can't help but wonder why? This is trance. This is the track people want to dance to. This is the track that trance artists inspire to write.
For those who like pure trance track with just the steady beat that will get you moving, you haven't been forgotten. As mentioned, the album opens with Filmic but then you get halfway through the album and your senses will be blown open with Prelude. Don't worry, it's not a 15 second filler track that some artists do. This is sensory bliss that will have you amazed and moving your head in time up until midway through the song where the anthemic and symphonic music kicks and you can't help but raise your eyes towards the heavens in agreement. Just wait for the tribal chanting, you'll know beauty.
Closing out the album is the other instrumental track Eternal. It's a blended elegance between piano and eletronica. There's something spellbinding by this piece of work that you will listen to it repeatedly. It really is the perfect song to have as the final track on a release. It's serenity and beauty is seamless and just breath taking.
All in all, Above and Beyond make have taken 5 years to release this album but it's more than worth it. If more trance artists could follow in this group's footsteps, we would have any amazing world of dance music out there. This album is going to be a legacy. This album is going to get played for years to come, just like it's predecessor. This album will remind you why you fell in love with trance music. You want this album.
Group Therapy is out now through Ajunabeats Records
In a musical era where reproduction and mimicry are so common place, it's refreshing to find original work that stands tall above so many other acts. The stunning release of Josh Gabriel and Meredith Cal's work under the guise of Winter Kills is welcomed with open arms to an industry where astonishingly mediocre is considered highly acceptable.
The introduction to Winter Kills was made back in 2009 with the release of the club phenomenon Deep Down. Since then, the team have been in the studio, not only working on their own debut artist album but also contributing to Armin Van Buuren's last artist album with the track Take A Moment.
The first thing that is apparent as the album takes hold is the innovation and unrestricted musical freedom that the duo have been given to create this brilliant piece of art. The slow pick up of the first track, Tomorrow, to the steady beat of the latest single, Hot As Hades, and onto the eerie Deep Down. The album is a journey that loops back on itself and, at the same time, keeps soldiering forwards.
Meredith Cal's voice across all the tracks is haunting and enticing. The songstress has found her niche in the market full of pretty faces and dainty voices. Her singing ability is genuine and refreshing. Her talent undeniable. When this is coupled with Josh Gabriel's 25 odd year career, there is something undeniably right about the release.
Surprisingly, they even include a cover version of I'll Stand By You. It's been modernized since the original 1994 release by The Pretenders. Cal doesn't try to replicate the sound of Chrissie Hynde's voice. She finds her own footing in the track and makes it her own. The two version cannot be compared as they are so unique and different that to say one is like the other or one is better than the other is to do it no justice.
Over the 13 tracks of diverse musical creativity, it is difficult to find stand out tracks as the pair have worked hard on each and every track. The success of the album will make that apparent to anyone who takes the chance and listens all the way through the album.
As a debut, this is the album that many artists want to release. Showcasing an awe inspiring talent and commitment to the perpetuation of the music industry by providing a legacy that will live on, even if Gabriel and Cal choose not to continue with the Winter Kills project.
Josh Gabriel Presents: Winter Kills is out now through Armada Music
Since 1997, Signum has been a leading name in the world of trance. They have preformed at Gatecrasher events worldwide and remixed many of the industry heavy weights like Delerium, ATB, Armin Van Buren and OceanLab over the years. Signum is a household name, even if you don't realize it.
Now, after two years of careful preparation, they have released their stunning artist album For You.
Cinematical is the opening track which blends electronica, trance and makes it sound like a mixture of water and music playing from the distance. The effect is magnificent to watch. The track is thrilling and as crisp as the early hours of a new day.
Following is the lush vocal track Gonna Take Time featuring Antonia Lucas. The music is warm and surrounding. It's beauty is certainly something to behold. Surprisingly for a dance track produced for a predominately trance outfit, the inclusion of the piano is stunning and fits with Lucas' luscious tones wondrously.
The pair gradually raise the tempo and energy of the album until you hit Liberate which includes the vocals of Kate Louise Smith. To be honest, this was the track that caught my attention to buy the album. It was featured in Armin Van Buuren's A State of Trance podcast 148. It's certainly a track which you will either love or hate. To some it's repetitive and to others it's hypnotic. Personally, I find it be delightful. The energy that the track generates is something to behold. Mix that with the stunning vocal delivery, and it's almost reminisce of Drifting Away by Lange back in 2002.
Following directly after is another track which was featured in the State of Trance podcast 149. It's Never Be The Same featuring Julie Thompson. The track actually manages to sound even more energetic believe it or not. Thompson's voice is light and breezy and wholly attractive. When you listen closely you can hear, I'm not sure which, pipes or flutes playing in the background. The overall effect is riveting, engaging and enthralling.
After the last two vocal classics, we move back into the instrumental dance orientated direction. Beginning the sequence is Addicted. Now this track is easy to love with it's driving beat and happy melody. Now this is a track that was ready made to become a classic before it's release. The sensuality of the music is enrapturing and captivating. It's easy to become quite taken, or even smitten, with the track.
Way back when in 1999, there was a single. It was called Coming On Strong. It was a pure track. It was a trance track. It was and still is a favorite of many. It stood the test of time. Now, in 2010, we have a revitalization of this time honored monument of trance history. CoS 2010 is as epic now as it was originally. The words just aren't available to be able to aptly describe this song.
Healesville Sanctuary is easily recognizable as having Roger Shah influence it. The track is a cross between a Signum signature track and a trance based emotive song. The track won't make you burst into tears. It won't make you laugh like a madman. It will catch your breath and dare you to say that it isn't a stunning track. The work and effort that has been put into crafting this track earns it near masterpiece status.
Both Beyond This Earth and Centurion are proof positive that Signum know what they are doing and a beacon of light for the trance world of which many seemed to be becoming disillusioned. Both tracks are reminders of what is right with dance music. The driving beats. The sacred melody. The thump and grind that just calls from the dancefloor. Elevating and enthralling. The two tracks are a journey that can't be shared.
Finally, Ancient World finishes the album. It's almost devastating to see that the album is over. Why should this be allowed to happen? Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Even musical masterpieces such as this must eventually finish playing. The ambient, downtempo sensation of the music that is enriched with nostalgia does for this album what Serenity did for Armin Van Buuren's album Shivers. It rounds it off nicely and leaves you wanting to hit the play button all over again.
Is this album worth purchasing? Hell yes. It's everything that people have been complaining that trance music has been missing over the last few years. It's driven. It's enthralling. It's entrancing. It's hypnotic. It's the dance album that you need to but this year and have playing so loud that even your neighbors will love it. Signum have released a stunning piece of work that will live on for years to come.
When faced with finding a good dance artist, it's hard to go beyond Markus Schulz. He's a man who has been remixing music since 1993 when his version of Why Is That? Fuk Dat by Sagat was released. Since then he's reworked names like Bette Middler, Madonna, OceanLab and Rank 1. With such an impressive list of names under his belt, it's almost guaranteed that his own studio album will be nothing short of phenomenal.
Do You Dream? is Schulz's fifth studio album and takes the listener on a heady experience that hasn't been seen since the release of Tiesto's Just Be album. With 16 tracks filled with trance hit after hit. Every nail has been hit on the head. His unique style of house infused trance glistens on each track with an uplifting feel each time.
Starting off strongly with Alpha State, the album sets a level that puts Schulz up amongst the masters of his genre like Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto. The steady thump of the bass and the melodic overlays are listening bliss.
This album is skillfully put together and features slick production with guest vocalists appearing on multiple tracks. Featuring on one of the album highlights, Not The Same, is Jennifer Rene who is known from tracks with Armin Van Buuren and Jose Amnesia. Her gentle tones are perfectly mixed in with the backing track and make a track which can be played time and again.
The title track Do You Dream? is a beautifully crafted piece of trance which thumps along and will no doubt be featured at dance festivals worldwide over the coming months and even years. The music takes a life of it's own and is a listening experience that will enrapture anyone who listens. Pounding base and uplifting trance melodies make this THE track to listen to on the album.
It wouldn't be right not to mention Schulz's work with the stunning Susana Lise.The track is Unsaid and there's not enough that can be said about the track to do it justice. Lise, who is best known for her work on the track Shivers with Van Buuren, has always had the soaring vocals ability which works with any music to turn a track near anthemic. The track, again, features Schulz's house/trance fusion and belongs in a night club with the bass pounding out and invading the listener's ears.
The last track to be singled out is the closing number Goodbye. Following the previously mentioned them of house meeting trance, it sings loudly with heavy bass and foot tapping yearning. The track isn't just there to be listened to, it demands attention. The music along with vocal work by Jessica Riddle, make a mood which is resplendent of Schulz's musical ability and is nothing short of amazing.
For lovers of house and trance alike, Do You Dream? is an absolute must. This album belongs in your collection and there's no question about it. This album is a dance lover's orgasm and nothing short of phenomenal. With enthralling sounds, delicious beats, heavy rhythms and divine voices, there is nothing that this album doesn't have. You want to hear this album, more to the point, you want it in your collection.
Following up the triumphant success of his 2009 debut Wanderer is Serge Devant with his electric sophomore album, Rewind. Filled with aural delight, the album is set to please trance lovers globally.
, being back in 2008, Shah has returned with another breath taking album that is sure to turn the ears of so many back to the trusted trance beats. The steady driving rhythm that plays right through the album is an absolute delight to listen to and will get the most uncoordinated toe tapping away.
is a masterpiece of electronica. Shah is constantly evolving and learning the art of his craft and applying the evolution to each release. It's crisp and modern yet still timeless. This is a fantastic release that is ready to have the uptempo versions playing before a night out and the down tempo ready for the recovery the next day. Whatever the time, this is an album and trance lover must have.
and it's fantastic! Hold onto your hats, you're in for an exciting ride with this album.
.
is an absolute must. This album belongs in your collection and there's no question about it. This album is a dance lover's orgasm and nothing short of phenomenal. With enthralling sounds, delicious beats, heavy rhythms and divine voices, there is nothing that this album doesn't have. You want to hear this album, more to the point, you want it in your collection.